Membership Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions are based on the bylaws of the American Association for Public Broadband (AAPB).. In case of any contradiction between the Terms and Conditions as displayed on this webpage and the bylaws, the bylaws will prevail.

A. ELIGIBILITY

Membership is open to the following entities:

  • Public broadband entities, are entitled to become Members with voting rights as outlined in these Bylaws.
  • Local or State government department or agencies are entitled to become Members with voting rights as outlined in the Bylaws.
  • Individual Government Officials are entitled to become Members with voting rights as outlined in the Bylaws.
  • Nonprofit State or Regional Associations, Public Interest Groups and Foundations are entitled to become Affiliate Members with no voting rights.
  • Vendors, such as Corporations and Consultants, are entitled to become Affiliate Members with no voting rights.

B. START AND DURATION OF MEMBERSHIP

  • Membership starts on the day payment of the membership has been received in the account of the AAPB.
  • Membership will last through the fiscal year of when the membership has been purchased. July 1 – June 30
  • In case payment for renewal of the membership has not been received, member’s access to the website will end one month after the due payment date.
  • Membership can be ended prior to the end date in cases mentioned under {E}.

C. MEMBERSHIP FEES

  • Membership fees will be paid by credit card or bank transfer via the ways indicated on AAPB’s website.
  • Organizations may be granted a membership payment in kind instead of monetary payment after permission by the AAPB Board of Directors.
  • Membership fees shall be set by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may create different categories of membership and variable levels of membership fees. Alterations to the categories of membership or the schedule of dues shall require a majority of the Board.

D. RIGHTS

  • Both individual and organizational members shall have the right to participate in programs and activities of the AAPB, subject to the rules established by the Board of Directors and the Association’s bylaws. In addition, members may have the right to
    • hold office in the Association;
    • vote for elected officers;
    • participate in advisory committees;
    • seek to petition the Board;
    • submit announcements via AAPB’s social media.
  • Affiliate members also are entitled to:
    • participate in advisory committees;
    • seek to petition the Board;
    • submit announcements via AAPB’s social media;
    • have their logo and a short description about their organization on AAPB’s website;

E. END OF MEMBERSHIP

  • The membership ends if the membership period has ended and the member has not renewed membership.
  • In case membership fees due are not paid, AAPB has the right to terminate the membership of the member involved.
  • In case a member deploys activities that may harm the interests of the AAPB significantly, or in case a member acts in a way that in severe contradiction with AAPB’s aims and nature, the AAPB withholds the right to end the membership of the member involved.
  • Any member has the right to terminate his or her membership before the formal end of the membership period. Termination has to be sent in writing to the AAPB Board and does not constitute any right of reimbursement of membership fees.
  • End of membership, either at the end of the membership period or by intermediate termination  does not constitute any right of reimbursement of membership fees.